I’m a runner

Okay, first of all everyone always assumes I have always been a runner.  But the truth is, I  didn’t  even start exercising until my mid 20’s!  Plus, I  didn’t start running until I was 30ish or start enjoying it until my mid 30’s!   🙂

Now I am a runner who runs 4-5 times a week then cross-trains 1-2 times a week.  For my cross training I do a variety of things depending on the season, the weather, and my mood!  I personally think it’s important to have variety in your workouts. It adds interest and curbs boredom! 

I vary my runs from day-to-day, but have a basic goal in mind for the number of kilometres I want to run in a week.  I am generally not training for anything, just do it to keep myself fit and healthy; also because I firmly believe it is setting a very positive example for our 2 children.

When I cross train in the summer I will often do workouts at a local place that has 2 sets of stairs and 2 hill paths leading up to a large grassed area at the top.  During these workouts I will do a certain number of stair and hill interval runs (as fast as I feel), then I will do a variety of exercises at the top.  These exercises are push-ups, the superman, squats,lunges, running backward, and anything else I can think of that only requires myself and my strength!

When I cross train at home I will do cardio using either my stationary bike, or my elliptical machine.  After cardio I generally do a variety of weight exercises using dumbbells and/or a medicine ball.  I like to do 1 set of exercises covering each muscle group.  Then after a very short break I repeat the set.  I vary the weight exercises I do every few months so my body doesn’t get too used to them, and also to keep it interesting!

Okay, so the reason I explained at the beginning how this is all relatively new to me was to show my readers that it is never to late to try something new! Who knows, give it a try, you may love it too!

Do any of my followers want to join me or need some motivation to get started?  Just ask! I already have one friend joining me on my cross-training days! Let me know, I love to help motivate others to get started😆.

Maintaining order in the kitchen

Aside from sleeping in my bedroom, the kitchen is the second most used room in my house.

I am very particular about the organization and cleanliness of my kitchen and believe it should be a priority for everyone, seeing as this is where we prep, store, and serve food.  If a kitchen is cluttered and dirty, you are less likely to use it and more likely to eat out.  Please don’t, it’s better for you to make your own meals  and eat at home!

First, some quick tips for cleaning.  I clean/disinfect my kitchen once a week.  I basically just wipe down all surfaces with  an all-purpose cleaner (I use vinegar and water).  If you commit to doing this once a week, it takes way less time than if you have to thoroughly clean it once a month.  ***Maintenance is key.  It saves time and energy***

I, for one, need to have organized, clear work spaces regardless of the size of the kitchen.  In my opinion, only keep the appliances and tools in your kitchen you use regularly.

If you have limited counter space, only keep out what you use daily.  This keeps things looking less cluttered and this will be less overwhelming for you when you want to make meals.  This also applies to drawer and cupboard spaces.   There is no need for you to have drawers and cupboards filled with items that you have to dig through and almost knock down to get to those priority items.

Quick tip…..Get a box and go through your kitchen cupboards and drawers one day.   All the items that you think you could do without, put them in this box and put it aside. If you need an item from this box take it out. After 6-8 months, donate or throw out items that are still in the box.

I also like to make sure my kitchen is tidied before I go to bed each night.  If you make meals, try cleaning the dishes as you go!  This is what I do, and it saves a lot of time after cooking.  Less clean-up is always a plus.

After meals, if there are others in your household, enlist them in daily kitchen duties so everyone has a part in taking pride in the kitchen space.  If you take it upon yourself to do it alone, you will feel resentful, and this helps noone! 🙂

I know, we’re all tired after dinner and want to just get away from the kitchen and relax, but, trust me, the few minutes that it takes when you enlist others to help do their part, and doing it quickly after each meal is worth it.   It doesn’t have to take a long time!  Procrastinating and putting it off until later will just double your tasks, and effort required to do them!